Savard, Ference sidelined by injuries

WILMINGTON - Veteran center Marc Savard, cracked across the back Saturday night by a Steve Begin cross-check in Montreal, underwent a CT scan yesterday at Massachusetts General Hospital and will miss two games, beginning tonight against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

Team spokesman Matt Chmura said the scan confirmed an injury to Savard's lower back and mid-torso, and that the 30-year-old center will also miss the Thursday night rematch with the Leafs on Causeway Street.

Chmura added that Savard will be examined later this week, possibly undergoing another CT exam.

Coach Claude Julien was unsure of the test results prior to the club's afternoon charter flight to Toronto.

CT scans typically are given when there is a suspicion of a broken bone.

Savard was smacked by a Begin two-hander in the final moments of regulation play. After the game, he was wincing and had a hard time breathing.

As of yesterday, Savard was tied for 12th in the league with 78 points, and his 63 assists ranked second only to San Jose's Joe Thornton (64).

Julien also said that Andrew Ference, who saw limited action in the third period at Montreal, also would not be in the lineup against the Leafs tonight.

"It's a leg injury," said Julien. "He'll be day to day."

Ference finished Saturday with 16:33 of ice time, his lowest total since Jan. 29 (16:45). To take his spot, the team recalled Matt Lashoff from Providence.

Hungry for action

Patrice Bergeron, though not cleared for contact, remained encouraged after participating in yesterday's team workout at Ristuccia Center. He has not had a headache in over a week. Meanwhile, his weight remains at 185 pounds, some 10 pounds under his desired playing weight. "My appetite is there," said an upbeat Bergeron, who will work out with the squad in Toronto. "But there is only so much I can eat, and then I burn off a lot with cardio workouts." Bergeron is augmenting his diet with high-calorie shakes . . . Andrew Alberts still is not taking body checks during practice, but he dealt out a few during the one-hour workout. He said a recent visit to a chiropractor helped his lingering neck woes. "The muscles on the right side of my neck weren't firing correctly," he said. "But they're doing better now."

Sundin dubious

The Leafs do not expect captain Mats Sundin, hindered by a groin pull, to suit up tonight. "We all understand the situation we're in," Sundin said. "Personally, I'd like to get back playing." However, Sundin felt he lacked the necessary stamina, and coach Paul Maurice said he likely will not play.

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